Wine Advocate (93-94)

The 2022 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens is excellent, wafting from the glass with aromas of plums and raspberries mingled with exotic spices, orange zest and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and velvety, its textural attack segues into an unctuous core of fruit, concluding with a long, expansive finish.

From the esteemed winemaker comes the exceptional Kei Shiogai Pommard 2022. Produced in the hallowed soils of Burgundy's renowned Pommard region, this exquisite Pinot Noir stands out as a testament to Shiogai's dedication to traditional winemaking. Kei Shiogai, a Japenese oenologist living in Burgundy, has focused his expertise to cultivate this remarkable wine.

The 2022 vintage benefited from an exceptionally meticulous hand-harvesting and judicious sorting, following an optimal ripening period, contributing to the wine's profundity and elegance. The delicately extracted juice was matured in oak barrels, enhancing its complex character.

Kei Shiogai Pommard 2022 arrests one's senses with its distinguished bouquet of ripe red fruits, complemented by subtle earthy undertones, and a lingering mineral edge. On the palate, it unravels a symphony of flavours, balanced by firm yet refined tannins. A fine wine such as this promises to age gracefully, making it a treasured addition to any connoisseur's cellar.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-96)

This cuvée no longer contains Clos des Lambrays young vines. The plot called 30 rangs (planted 2000) was in this wine up to 2021. La Riotte and Le Village remain, the 20 ares of Clos Sorbe has been added to new vineyards (see below) from Domaine Cosson, but instead there is fruit from half a hectare of Les Blanchards, also ex Cosson. Glowing purple. A beautifully lifted bouquet with 40% whole bunches, alpine strawberries, all in finesse. Then the wine builds to an extra level of intensity, more than expected from the elegance of the nose, The fruit shows additional nuances as well, entirely red fruit, some ripe cherries now showing as well. Just a few spices to finish.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-93)

A fine mid ruby colour. The bouquet has both charm and density in a very happy balance. A lovely aftertaste of soft strawberry and fresh raspberry, the graceful side of Pommard with the tannins nicely covered. Drink from 2030-2037. Tasted: November 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-93)

(5 Star Wine) Not too deep in colour, with rather a stylish perfumed raspberry fruit. Light fresh acidity, behind the beautifully balanced fruit, a few tannins too, but the fruit stretches out wonderfully behind them. The benefit of ancient vines is clear to see. Drink from 2030-2036. Tasted: November 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-93)

(5 Star Wine) Not too deep in colour, with rather a stylish perfumed raspberry fruit. Light fresh acidity, behind the beautifully balanced fruit, a few tannins too, but the fruit stretches out wonderfully behind them. The benefit of ancient vines is clear to see. Drink from 2030-2036. Tasted: November 2023.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95-97)

The 2022 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru is well-defined on the nose, with a mélange of red and blueberry fruit, crushed violet and light iris flower scents. This is going to be very seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and layers of mineral-rich red fruit counterbalanced by a perfectly judged line of acidity. It discretely fans out on the finish and feels tender despite the power here.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-94)

A glowing crimson purple, the bouquet comes over with striking class. Quite floral in fact, plenty of sunshine in the fruit but here in Pommard the vine resists better and the tannins are very refined. A delicious aftertaste. The vineyard was only replanted in 2016, so congratulations. It is now in pinot fin and that shows. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: October 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)

25% whole bunch vinification and one new barrel in four. Medium depth of colour with a slightly earthy nose. Quite a solid 1er Cru with the more savoury style of Morey, but not quite convincing. I will take the elegance of En la Rue de Vergy. Drink from 2029-2036. Tasted: December 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-94)

60% whole bunch vinification, no new wood. An even crimson colour. While retaining its earthy style, the fruit is fuller and altogether classier than Clos des Ormes. Strawberry and raspberry, middleweight and with fair length. Drink from 2030-2037. Tasted: December 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-94)

Still in barrel, one new barrel in four. A fine lively mid purple with an exquisite bouquet, ethereal hillside Morey lifted further by the whole bunches (80%). An attractive middleweight red fruit across the palate, with some white pepper to finish. Another excellent wine from this super vineyard. Drink from 2029-2036. Tasted: December 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-95)

A solid dense ruby colour with a powerful bouquet driven by both the intensity of the fruit and the new oak, one barrel of the two, and no stems. There is a lot of wine here in its solid earthy Pommard style, yet with class too. Excellent length, and so much fruit that it can eat up its oak easily. Drink from 2032-2040. Tasted: December 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-92)

An intense bright fresh purple. Quite punchy on the nose, in a good way, and with a certain amount of oak showing on the palate. Good acidity, more than tannins, and a fresh vigorous red berry fruit throughout.

Philippe Pacalet Pommard 1er Cru Les Charmots 2022 is an exquisite embodiment of Burgundy's terroir, a distinguished expression of Pinot Noir. Lovingly cultivated in a renowned vineyard of Pommard, this vintage is crafted by trailblazing winemaker Philippe Pacalet. An acolyte in organic and biodynamic practices, Pacalet artfully forgoes pesticides, chemical interventions, and intrusive soil manipulations to respect the land and grapes’ natural rhythm and character.

The Pommard 1er Cru Les Charmots 2022 boasts a complex palate, its allure strengthened by its harmonious balance of refinement and power. Vignettes of red cherries, blackberries, forest floor, and subtle spices intermingle in every sip. Displaying an impressive density, depth, and firm tannic backbone, expect a taste of Burgundy that evolves marvelously with age. Enjoy a reputable masterpiece of Philippe Pacalet, Pommard 1er Cru Les Charmots 2022, leaving a lasting impression on your palate.

Decanter (95)

There is more depth and structure in the Epenots than in the village wine, but this latter is still approachable and forward, with ripe black plum and mulberry fruit and hints of lavender, menthol, and star anise. The texture is dense, and the tannins are supple but supportive, leading the whole to a pleasantly persistent finish. The grapes are 90% from Grands Epenots and 10% from Petits Epenots; they are fermented as whole clusters and aged in used casks to produce this memorable wine.

Decanter (94)

Pacalet sources the grapes for this bottling from the portion of Rugiens classified as village-level 'but it's political' according to him. He goes on to note that the parcel was planted in 1905. The grapes from these ancient vines are fermented as whole clusters and punched down twice daily to produce this wine with expressive red and black fruit aromas and hints of earth and wild herbs; there is a touch of tannin from the stems, but this will integrate with time. With a bit of time in the bottle, this should be an interestingly complex wine.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-93)

In fact this is Grands Epenots, though not specified thus on the label. 5% comes from their own vines and is made as whole bunch, the rest is not. Deep and intense, with a profound dark raspberry fruit, fine intensity through the middle, then more fruit to cover any final tannins. Supple dark fruit with a touch of chocolate maybe. Drink from 2030-2036. Tasted: November 2023.